Preparation and characterization of cellulose/N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide/graphene oxide hybrid hydrogels and aerogels

Abstract

Cellulose/N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide/graphene oxide hydrogels were prepared by mixing cellulose with N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) and graphene oxide (GO) in NaOH/urea aqueous solution. Two states of hydrogels, i.e. the freshly prepared hydrogels and the hydrogels at swelling equilibrium state in deionized water, were prepared. The gelation time, mechanical properties, transparency, texture properties and water retention ratio of the hydrogels were investigated. Results showed that the cellulose solution showed obvious MBA and GO induced gelation behaviors. Hydrogels with compressive strength (28.10–44.68 kPa for freshly prepared hydrogels and 40.91–58.69 kPa for swelling equilibrium state hydrogels), good transparency (25% for freshly prepared hydrogels and 35–65% for swelling equilibrium state hydrogels), high water retention ratio (3.22–3.16 × 104%) can be obtained. In addition, aerogels with good recoverability and certain adsorption properties to methylene blue (MB) and Cu (II) were made. This work provides a new way for the preparation of cellulose-based materials.